Friedrich Wilderness Park: The half-mile Forest Range trail is level and paved. Peggy Spring, education coordinator for natural areas with San Antonio Parks and Recreation, recommends going up to the windmill on the Water Trail for children older than toddlers. The first part is stroller-friendly and the final unpaved part can be managed with a rugged stroller.

PHOTO: The Dinkin family — Gentry (from left), 12, David, Amantha, 15, and Susan — pauses to survey the landscape while on a hike at Friedrich Wilderness Park on Oct. 28, 2012.

Photo By THAO NGUYEN/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Harley Vasquez, 11, uses a stick to shuffle up the bank, while Addie Alvarez, 11 places a net in the direction of the riverflow to catch the aquatic insects at the Medina River Natural Area during the Junior Scientist program that runs from June 11-15 for ages 11 to 14 where the kids learn about wildlife, plant identification, river sampling, animal tracking, and hands-on conservation. THAO NGUYEN/STAFF

Photo By Robin Jerstad

Government Canyon State Natural Area guide Patrick Cunningham talks about blossoming wildflowers while conducting a Wildflower Walk at the park recently.

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There is no better way to enjoy the spring weather than to take a hike. Beginning and experienced hikers can find trails suitable for all fitness levels in parks and natural areas in San Antonio. The Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System alone comprises 41 miles of developed greenway trails. "Most of the year, this is really a hiker's paradise," says Nancy Fix Anderson, hiking leader of the Alamo Sierra Club. Here are her picks for spots around San Antonio.

A favorite destination of bird watchers — it's a nesting site for two endangered species, the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler — this park also offers grand views of the city. The nature preserve, across Interstate 10 from the Dominion, offers 5.5 miles of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. There are paved, wheelchair-accessible paths suitable for children, as well as steeper dirt paths offering a tougher workout. No dogs or bicycles.

More experienced hikers flock to this 8,624-acre area, which has more than 40 miles of hike-and-bike trails of varying terrain, although the protected habitat area trails are closed from March through August. Overnight camping is allowed Fridays and Saturdays. There are shorter trails, but the most beautiful areas are at least a 4-mile hike away. The endangered golden-cheeked warbler also nests here. Bring plenty of water.

The 6 miles of trails in this 500-acre natural wilderness area connect to the 7-mile Medina River Greenway. Some trails in the natural area are wheelchair accessible; others feature steep slopes. An interpretive feature showcases El Camino Real wagon trail that settlers followed. Leashed pets, bikes, group camping and fishing are allowed.

Popular with dog owners (and dogs), this natural area adjacent to Camp Bullis offers impressive views of the city, especially from its wooden watchtower. There are 5 miles of hiking trails. Some are smooth and paved, while others are natural and rocky. Kid-friendly with a playground and picnic facility.

If you're looking for rugged, rocky trails, don't go to the Mission Reach. If you want to view a restored ecosystem along the San Antonio River and the Spanish missions while walking or jogging on a paved path, this is the spot. When the linear park on the South Side is complete, it will stretch 8 miles from South Alamo to Mission Espada. Currently, about 5 miles are open. The path is suitable for all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible.

A favorite destination of bird watchers — it's a nesting site for two endangered species, the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler — this park also offers grand views of the city. The nature preserve, across Interstate 10 from the Dominion, offers 5.5 miles of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. There are paved, wheelchair-accessible paths suitable for children, as well as steeper dirt paths offering a tougher workout. No dogs or bicycles.

More experienced hikers flock to this 8,624-acre area, which has more than 40 miles of hike-and-bike trails of varying terrain, although the protected habitat area trails are closed from March through August. Overnight camping is allowed Fridays and Saturdays. There are shorter trails, but the most beautiful areas are at least a 4-mile hike away. The endangered golden-cheeked warbler also nests here. Bring plenty of water.

The 6 miles of trails in this 500-acre natural wilderness area connect to the 7-mile Medina River Greenway. Some trails in the natural area are wheelchair accessible; others feature steep slopes. An interpretive feature showcases El Camino Real wagon trail that settlers followed. Leashed pets, bikes, group camping and fishing are allowed.

Popular with dog owners (and dogs), this natural area adjacent to Camp Bullis offers impressive views of the city, especially from its wooden watchtower. There are 5 miles of hiking trails. Some are smooth and paved, while others are natural and rocky. Kid-friendly with a playground and picnic facility.

If you're looking for rugged, rocky trails, don't go to the Mission Reach. If you want to view a restored ecosystem along the San Antonio River and the Spanish missions while walking or jogging on a paved path, this is the spot. When the linear park on the South Side is complete, it will stretch 8 miles from South Alamo to Mission Espada. Currently, about 5 miles are open. The path is suitable for all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible.